FUNCTION


Meaning of FUNCTION in English

/ ˈfʌŋkʃn; NAmE / noun , verb

■ noun

1.

[ C , U ] a special activity or purpose of a person or thing :

to fulfil / perform a function

bodily functions (= for example eating, sex, using the toilet)

The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.

This design aims for harmony of form and function.

2.

[ C ] a social event or official ceremony :

The hall provided a venue for weddings and other functions.

3.

[ C ] ( mathematics ) a quantity whose value depends on the varying values of others. In the statement 2x=y, y is a function of x :

( figurative )

Salary is a function of age and experience.

4.

[ C ] ( computing ) a part of a program, etc. that performs a basic operation

■ verb

[often + adv. / prep. ] to work in the correct way

SYN operate :

Despite the power cuts, the hospital continued to function normally.

We now have a functioning shower.

Many children can't function effectively in large classes.

PHRASAL VERBS

- function as sb/sth

••

WORD ORIGIN

mid 16th cent.: from French fonction , from Latin functio(n-) , from fungi perform.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.